William "Billy" Dunavant Jr

The conservation world lost one of the great waterfowl leaders of this country when William "Billy" Dunavant Jr. died on Sept. 11. Dunavant, a prominent Memphis businessman who built Dunavant Enterprises into a global cotton company, lived and loved life to the max, and that included waterfowl hunting. He was 88.

Dunavant was a major conservation supporter who helped fund habitat work from Mississippi and Tennessee to the prairies. He also believed in duck production on the prairies, and he backed his belief with impressive philanthropy for ducks. Dunavant also had a strong influence on hunter recruitment and deeply valued sharing his love for hunting and time in his blind with friends and family.

That sentiment is clearly reflected by John Dobbs, a longtime member of the Delta Waterfowl Board of Directors.

"No single individual has had a greater influence on duck hunting and conservation than my godfather, Billy Dunavant," Dobbs said. "He inspired me and countless youths to appreciate ducks, hunting, and the outdoors. I owe so much to Billy and his generosity. His spirit will live on through all of those he inspired."

Dunavant was also an important mentor to Paul Tudor Jones II, a noted financial manager and waterfowl conservation leader.

"Few people loved ducks with every ounce of their soul as much as Billy Dunavant," Jones said. "For those of us who share the same passion, his only earthly regret in heaven will be that he misses the first arrivals of the fall flight. He was as great a conservationist and a friend to every winged creature as there was. I hope he is enjoying the best duck blind heaven has."

Dunavant's passing is a great loss to his family and to the conservation world. Few people have given back to the wildlife they pursue with so much enthusiasm and commitment.- Paul Wait